Moduli of Π\Pi-algebras

We describe a homotopy-theoretic approach to the moduli of $\Pi$-algebras of Blanc-Dwyer-Goerss using the $\infty$-category $P_{\Sigma}(Sph)$ of product-preserving presheaves on finite-wedges of positive-dimensional spheres, reproving all of their results in this new setting

Derived C∞C^{\infty}-Geometry I: Foundations

This work is the first in a series laying the foundations of derived geometry in the $C^{\infty}$ setting, and providing tools for the construction and study of moduli spaces of solutions of Partial Differential Equations that arise in differential geometry and mathematical physics. To advertise the advantages of such a theory, we start with a detailed introduction to derived $C^{\infty}$-geometry in the context of symplectic topology and compare and contrast with Kuranishi space theory. In the body of this work, we avail ourselves of Lurie's extensive work on abstract structured spaces to define $\infty$-categories of derived $C^{\infty}$-ring and $C^{\infty}$-schemes and derived $C^{\infty}$-rings and $C^{\infty}$-schemes with corners via a universal property in a suitable $(\infty,2)$-category of $\infty$-categories with respect to the ordinary categories of manifolds and manifolds with corners (with morphisms the $b$-maps of Melrose in the latter case), and prove many basic structural features about them. Along the way, we establish some derived flatness results for derived $C^{\infty}$-rings of independent interest.Comment: 203 pages; comments welcom

Toward a theory of the integer quantum Hall transition: continuum limit of the Chalker-Coddington model

An N-channel generalization of the network model of Chalker and Coddington is considered. The model for N = 1 is known to describe the critical behavior at the plateau transition in systems exhibiting the integer quantum Hall effect. Using a recently discovered equality of integrals, the network model is transformed into a lattice field theory defined over Efetov's sigma model space with unitary symmetry. The transformation is exact for all N, no saddle-point approximation is made, and no massive modes have to be eliminated. The naive continuum limit of the lattice theory is shown to be a supersymmetric version of Pruisken's nonlinear sigma model with couplings sigma_xx = sigma_xy = N/2 at the symmetric point. It follows that the model for N = 2, which describes a spin degenerate Landau level and the random flux problem, is noncritical. On the basis of symmetry considerations and inspection of the Hamiltonian limit, a modified network model is formulated, which still lies in the quantum Hall universality class. The prospects for deformation to a Yang-Baxter integrable vertex model are briefly discussed.Comment: 25 pages, REVTEX, calculation of sigma_xx correcte

Higher Topos Theory

This purpose of this book is twofold: to provide a general introduction to higher category theory (using the formalism of "quasicategories" or "weak Kan complexes"), and to apply this theory to the study of higher versions of Grothendieck topoi. A few applications to classical topology are included.Comment: 735 pages. An updated and expanded version of the earlier submission math.CT/0306109 2/10/07: Various minor additions and corrections; added some material on combinatorial model categories to the appendix. 3/8/7: Actually uploaded the update this time; added material on fiber products of higher topoi. 7/31/08: Several sections added, others rewritte

(1,0) superconformal models in six dimensions

We construct six-dimensional (1,0) superconformal models with non-abelian gauge couplings for multiple tensor multiplets. A crucial ingredient in the construction is the introduction of three-form gauge potentials which communicate degrees of freedom between the tensor multiplets and the Yang-Mills multiplet, but do not introduce additional degrees of freedom. Generically these models provide only equations of motions. For a subclass also a Lagrangian formulation exists, however it appears to exhibit indefinite metrics in the kinetic sector. We discuss several examples and analyze the excitation spectra in their supersymmetric vacua. In general, the models are perturbatively defined only in the spontaneously broken phase with the vev of the tensor multiplet scalars serving as the inverse coupling constants of the Yang-Mills multiplet. We briefly discuss the inclusion of hypermultiplets which complete the field content to that of superconformal (2,0) theories.Comment: 30 pages, v2: Note, some comments and references adde